PASAY CITY — Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday praised the Public Attorney’s Office for successfully delivering access to free legal counsel to 9.7 million indigent Filipinos.

“I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone for their accomplishments in 2021. You surpassed your target cases handled, including appealed cases that were favorably disposed of and served 9.7 million Filipinos,” Duterte said during the 7th Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) Convention for Public Attorneys at the Philippine International Convention Center here.

In her 12-minute message, Duterte said it was not an easy feat in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) conducting home visits to clients with special needs and for further expanding their reach through online legal counselling broadcasted live on social media.

Likewise, the Vice President commended Chief Public Attorney in the Philippines Dr. Persida Rueda-Acosta for always “standing tall and dignified in all her public appearances.”

“One look at her, and you know she is proud to lead an organization providing accessible, efficient, high-quality, and effective legal services to indigents and other qualified persons,” Duterte said.

Duterte said the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has started receiving requests from fellow Filipinos, who currently facing incarceration, for free legal assistance and support for expeditious hearings of their cases.

Recognizing the substantial role that PAO lawyers play, Duterte said the OVP has already conducted initial talks with Acosta for assistance and partnership.

“Thank you very much, ma’am, for your support to the Office of the Vice President,” Duterte said, referring to Acosta.

“We do not and cannot afford to cease learning as legal professionals and guardians of justice. It is a noble opportunity to take as we help ensure the integrity of the law and continue to uphold, despite challenges and disruptions, the inherent democratic rights enshrined in our Constitution and the laws of the land,” she added.

Duterte ended her message with hopes “for the best in our role of championing the rights of our marginalized and underrepresented citizens.”

“Once again, congratulations and may the odds, indeed, be constantly in favor of justice and equality for all,” Duterte said.

OVP MEDIA